1. What does “G.A.L.A.” stand for? G.A.L.A. stands for Global Awareness Local Action.

2. Is G.A.L.A. a nonprofit organization? Yes. G.A.L.A. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the state of New Hampshire. The official registered name is “G.A.L.A. Community Center”. This also means that donations are tax deductible. G.A.L.A.’s EIN number is 65-1286865.

3. Is G.A.L.A. the local chapter of a global organization? No, but that’s flattering. G.A.L.A. was founded right here in NH in 2006. We do, however, aspire to developing a “community organizing handbook” of sorts that could help facilitate the sprouting of “G.A.L.A. Groups” throughout the region. We don’t have this resource developed quite yet, but if you are interested in such a thing please let us know so that we can stay in touch and make sure you are among the first to know when we are ready to distribute such a thing.

5. How can I get a Sustainable Home & Yard Makeover (Sustain-A-Raiser)?
Contact G.A.L.A. today to find out if your desired project would eligible for a Sustain-A-Raiser and schedule a free site visit. Email contact@galacommunity.org or call 603-539-6460.

6. How can I get involved with G.A.L.A.? Volunteer – Many dedicated volunteers make G.A.L.A.’s programs possible. If you are interested in joining this exciting volunteer team please call the office at 603-539-6460 or email contact@galacommunity.org. You can also learn more about our specific volunteer opportunities here.

7. How can I contact someone from G.A.L.A.?
You can reach someone from G.A.L.A. by calling the office during regular business hours (Mon-Fri, 9-5pm) at 603-539-6460, or by emailing contact@galacommunity.org. Our physical address is 3 Pork Hill Road, Ossipee, NH 03864, while our mailing address is GALA, PO Box 2267, Wolfeboro, NH 03864.

8. How is G.A.L.A. funded?
Like most nonprofits, G.A.L.A. is largely dependent on many small donations from people just like you who are willing and able to put their hard earned dollars toward sustainable community building efforts. All of our donations are tax deductible. We also host 2-3 fundraising events throughout the year including the annual Farm to Table Feast, First Night Chili & Chowda Sale, and spring Compost Bin & Rain Barrel sale. A large portion of our funding comes from a few private and nonprofit foundations including the NH Charitable Foundation, New England Grassroots Fund, Tom’s of Maine, and the Ittleson Foundation. If you are interested in donating or hosting a G.A.L.A. “house party” please contact G.A.L.A. today by emailing contact@galacommunity.org or calling 603-539-6460. Thank you, so very much, to everyone who is able to contribute – it makes all the difference. Or CLICK HERE to donate now!

9. What is the relationship between G.A.L.A. and the Ossipee Mt. Grange Hall?
Great question! G.A.L.A.’s founding director, Josh Arnold, bought the building formerly known as the “Ossipee Mt. Grange Hall” in 2008 and is in the process of revitalizing the space as a community center for arts, education, and advocacy. The building located at #3 Pork Hill Road in Ossipee, NH, must be brought up to code before it can serve the public as a four-season local food cooperative, community venue, and “green job” incubator. In the meantime the building is the private residence of Josh and his partner Molly who often host community events and invite people into their home to learn more about the revitalization effort.
This historic building revitalization effort, however, is entirely separate from G.A.L.A.. Where it may get a tad bit confusing is that G.A.L.A. uses a portion of the first floor of the building as its primary office space, and often parks its truck in the driveway when it’s not out conducting a Sustain-A-Raiser. Office hours are 9-5pm Mon-Fri and although anyone is welcome to stop by, a phone call is appreciated so that the small G.A..L.A. staff team can make sure your visit is worthwhile. You can reach the office by calling 603-539-6460.

10. What is the relationship between G.A.L.A. and Pork Hill Farm?
Another great question! Pork Hill Farm is a certified organic farm started by Katie Doyle Smith and Paul Swegel. They began in 2009 with an acre of leased land located just behind G.A.L.A.’s current office still exists at the former “Ossipee Mt. Grange Hall.” This close proximity often confuses people into thinking G.A.L.A. has some ownership or legal relation with the farm – we don’t.

In addition to the original plot behind “the Grange”, the Pork Hill Farm now includes 5 acres in four fields elsewhere along Pork Hill Road. They offer a CSA program with delivery and fill retail and wholesale orders for pickup or delivery to restaurants, grocers, caterers, and for special events. While G.A.L.A. and Pork Hill Farm are completely independent operations, they are also very proud neighbors of one another and look forward to opportunities when they can work together on projects like the Farm to Table Dinner, Canning Parties, Seed Swaps and the like.

11.Who is on the G.A.L.A. Board?
Read G.A.L.A. Board Member Bios here! Interested in serving on the board, or have someone in mind you think would make a good G.A.L.A. Board Member? Download our Board Member Referral form here.

12. How many staff work with G.A.L.A.?
G.A.L.A. currently employs one full time Executive Director, Josh Arnold, and one full-time AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer, Emily Richey.

This one-hour, afternoon webinar is organized by a group called Circle Forward. It's on G.A.L.A.'s calendar because we use consent-based governance called "Dynamic Governance". We think it offers some great tools to help groups make decisions and work together. This webinar would be great for anyone who is part of a team or group, and especially if you are interested in volunteering on one of G.A.L.A.'s many committees and board! The webinar is on the third Thursday of every month.